It will be interesting to see whether the private education organisation run by a carpet salesman rolls out a welcome mat tomorrow when the Save Roke Primary Campaign stages a protest outside the offices of the Harris Federation tomorrow, March 19, from 4.30pm.
Protestors from the Kenely primary school took their campaign to the Department for Education earlier this month. Tomorrow, they will be closer to home
That the Harris offices are in Croydon, the campaigners hope, will see parents and teachers from across the borough come to show their support – especially since there is a fear that the Harris “carpetbaggers” have their greedy eyes on at least two other schools in Croydon.
The address for the rally is Norfolk House, Wellesley Road, Croydon CR0 1LH (very close to East Croydon and West Croydon stations and adjacent to Wellesley Road tram stop and the Travelodge).
“Bring a homemade banner or sign. Or wrap yourself in a carpet or rug! Everyone welcome!” say the rally organisers.
It will be interesting to note which of Croydon’s MPs and councillors attend the rally. Only yesterday, Gavin “I’m just a bag-carrier” Barwell appeared on local television and repeated the falsehood that Roke is a “failing school” (and was not pulled up on the inaccuracy by BBC London’s Tim Donovan). Barwell is parliamentary private secretary to Michael Gove, the education minister.
- For background to this story that has gathered widespread national coverage:
- Roke parents in legal challenge against “dictator” Gove
- Roke Primary to be handed over to a carpet salesman
- Gove will tear us apart: the challenge facing Roke Primary
- Roke and a tale of “threats, bribes and fake consultations”
- Inside Croydon: For comment and analysis about Croydon, from inside Croydon
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